The Mosaic of Kärntnerstraße 16 – A beautiful artistic treasure!
Walking along Kärntnerstraße can be a challenge! It’s one of the busiest streets in Vienna, always filled with visitors, shoppers, and street performers. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook the finer details hidden in plain sight. One such detail is the mosaic of Kärntnerstraße. An artwork that has survived both time and destruction.
The original building at Kärntnerstraße 16 was constructed between 1894 and 1896. It housed the Hotel Meissl & Schadn, a well-known establishment of its time. You might recognize the name, as today’s it’s a great restaurant. Unfortunately, like many historic structures in Vienna, the building suffered heavy damage during World War II bombings. The section facing Neuer Markt was ultimately demolished, but the part facing Kärntnerstraße was restored. That’s why the beautiful mosaic of Kärntnerstraße remains visible today.
Eduard Veith’s Mosaic – A Tribute to Global Connections
The designer of the Kärntnerstraße mosaic was Eduard Veith. His goal was to reflect the international spirit of the hotel. His work depicts figures representing the world’s continents—Australia, America, Europe, Asia, and Africa—a striking artistic representation of the hotel’s cosmopolitan clientele.
Next time you find yourself navigating the crowds of Kärntnerstraße, take a moment to look up and appreciate this hidden treasure. The mosaic of Kärntnerstraße reminds us of the city’s layered history. It’s definitely worth a stop and a photo!
Also, one way to always know where to look is to book a private tour in Vienna! Naturally, you can also join one of our public tours. Our highlights tour and our alleyways tour take place regularly! We look forward to showing you such beautiful treasures and hidden gems!
